1. College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian, Shandong, 271018, People’s Republic of China
Abstract:
We describe a rapid and convenient colorimetric method for the detection of oxidative DNA damage caused by peroxynitrite (ONOO?) using unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). AuNPs are stable in the presence of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) against the aggregation induced by a high ionic strength. If adsorbed ssDNA are cleaved by ONOO? to form smaller fragments, the AuNPs rapidly aggregate due to electrostatic attraction. As a result, the color of the solution changes from red to blue, and this can be seen with bare eyes. We also have evaluated the activity of the antioxidants gallic acid, ascorbic acid and caffeic acid to scavenge ONOO?. This method therefore also can be applied to screen for anti-oxidation drugs and agents.
Figure
ONOO?-induced ssDNA cleavage can be visually detected by a red-to-blue color change of AuNPs.